Interesting range of reviews below, from the pinnacle of experiences to trash. I wasn’t there but give this one 2 thumbs up. First, got to love the memories of the overall experience - funny how something like rain can really galvanize things (I had my own rain pinnacle at 7/28/82 Red Rocks, will never forget it!). And 1985 was a hot summer - I saw them at the Greek then later at Ventura. Fun fun fun shows in which surprises abound! Now for this show, the first set trio of Bird Song > Comes A Time > Deal is indeed incredible. The Music Never Stopped is simply ripping. The Dew is thunderous! Along with the trippy Hershey Park environment and the cleansing rain, I’m all in on this show!

The jam during birdsong goes beyond space and time. The thin veil between life and the death realm is in view.

It was a dark and stormy day...
well not too stormy but enough rain to cause Bill to come out on stage prior to the festivities. As the crowd cheered his appearance he made a show of looking around at the cloudy skies and finally made a gesture that suggested it was too wet for a concert that day. The moist throng voiced our disapproval of his weather forecast as he retired to the enclave backstage and a good laugh was had by all.

This pic must have been made while Phil was singing Tom Thumb Blues (see photo's section of Dead.net) which was quite heavy for me as I and my concert going buddy Al were both out of our minds (and bodies.) I recall a tall gentleman, right in the middle of the crowd between the stage and soundboard putting his arms around his friends and he seemed to encompass 15 people with each arm.

Later, during Not Fade Away I distinctly heard Bobby say, “Everybody ready?” at a point during the song intro when he was NOWHERE near his mic stand. I repeated his words to myself, under my breath and the dude in front of me turned around and put his forefinger to his lips and went “Shhhhh.” This really blew my mind!!!

This was also the first show at which the pre show music selection really hit home for me. For some cosmic reason Healy played 'The Dark Side of the Moon' in its entirety and his choice provided the PERFECT “set and setting” for an incredible night of music and fun.
Good Times!

XOXOXOXO
L/S

Happy 30th - This night was your reward if you endured SPAC the night before. And that sure a a fun one. Often overlooked is how incredible the mix sounded on that field in Hershey Park that night. Then the rain finally stopped.

I was at this show on the grass maybe 12 rows back on Jer's side...having made the long wet overnight trek from Saratoga (my hometown). We're talking wet here folks! Cats and dogs with no break in sight. Wonderful smallish crowd happy to be out in the rain to experience our favorite band in the land of Hershey.

First of all, it always amazed me in '85 that when Jerry's voice was really struggling he made himself not only sing more songs- but more difficult ones! This show epitomized his work ethic. From Cold Rain on we could tell his voice was reaching the point of no return ...probably due to the weather ...and possibly feeling under the weather. Don't see Jerry in a blazer too often! Hmmm? My voice is rough ...so I'll sing 5 of the 7 first set tunes Bob. Love it!

My first set highlights are Comes a Time due do it's painful beauty and gorgeous guitar solo & Deal cause the end solo really smokes- though short. Second set Bobby re-assured us that they're still "singing in the rain" (superfluous statement at best ;-)) ...before breaking into one of my favorite Music Never Stopped ever, followed by my favorite (by FAR!) Tom Thumbs Blues with Phil in his dog t-shirt. Listen how they "share" the space, weaving in and out of the available space provided. Never heard it played the same since. Okay, the Dead are ON this set so let's enjoy the ride! After nice playing thru drums/space, Phil plays the bass intro to The Other One ...only to discover its Miracle! Nice recovery and worked out great (same key). Then the Morning Due. What can I say but Jerry's voice ...though raspy as hell sings it with sooooo much passion it still sends chills up my spine! Phil's bombs blow a speaker in the climactic middle solo.... and this also has become my favorite Dew ever (yes I know about Cornell the great ;-)). The rest of the show is solid through the Day Job, which I agree could have been replaced with something more profound after such a passionate show. But that's part of the beauty of this band. You just never know???

Excuse the diatribe, but this is one show that really stands out for me among more than I can count or remember. Maybe it was everything combined; the sky in the second set that some claim illuminated a Steal Your Face for all to see (I didn't have THAT kind I guess but the sky was beautiful after the rain finally subsided), the music, chocolate, and whatever your choice of "treat" may have been for the show.

This SBD is very good! I'm a MATRIX guy ....then great AUD ...then SBD if the others don't exist. THIS is a wonderful board, but beware: Phil's bass will scare you silly and may need to be tamed if the neighbors are cranky! A great PEACE OF '85 DEAD so give it a listen and picture yourself rain soaked, stoned and happy to be in the land of Dead N' Chocolate!!!

I feel that part of the music experience is the venue..and I loved getting down in the rain in Hershey,PA..The summer of 85' was a special time, even with Jerry off some nights..Most people..I didn't say all>will tell you that this was a good show and I'm one of those people.I always think of the families who traveled to Hershey for vacation and were surprised to see the circus was in town with freaks..Think of the stories they took home with them!! I got off on the madness and the meltdown in Hershey and enjoyed every minute of it..Three Jerry tunes to end 1st set..BAM..LOVE IT.One of my favorite Music Never Stopped with Healy effects..Healy was doing crazy shit all summer..Bobby,Bobby and You know what I means.This is a solid show with a interesting set list..I also like the sound of this board..so down with the Haters and please GIVE IT A WHIRL!!! Forever Grateful>Forever Dead

The second set of this show was the first live tape i ever had of the band, and it quite likely saw more play than any other single show i subsequently collected. the drums->space is just *stellar*. sure, there are no really long, extended jams in this show, but this show holds up very well nigh unto 30 years on, and there are some really great, great individual performances in this show--without even having been there you can tell *everyone* was really comfortable that night.

We drove in from Columbus Ohio, seems the whole midwest was under some form of road construction. Hershey being the tourist destination of chocolate fiends worldwide did not disappoint when needing munchies but trying to fit Dead Nation into a smaller than average venue was a bit perturbing. The show was on a football field and appropriately they opened with Cold Rain and Snow as it rained... and rained. Not one of the best shows Ive seen but I can tell you that I met so many cool people and some of my first dyes in Hershey it didnt matter that Jerry was having an off night. Still.. those of us lucky to be there, rain, traffic, construction etc.. it still was a great show.

Is certainly not the greatest singer ever, but his vocal on Tom Thumb is exactly how I like him to sound. Fun '85 show but maybe not top 10.

Individuals who gave this one or two stars were obviously not listening. It's not the greatest show ever but it is at least a well-played show by the greatest live band of all time.

Listen to Jerry's playing on Not Fade Away and try and tell me that's a two star performance. I call B*llsh*t. Birdsong, TMNS, AM Dew, Throwing>NFA are some highlights of a good, if inconsistent, show. Jerry's vocals are rough for much of it, but the playing and energy shine through, especially on the low end.

This show was played in a high school football stadium. I distinctly remember during Morning Dew Phil dropped a bomb that blew a huge crater at about the 30 yard line.(The stage was in the end zone.)Bits of sod, dirt, and lime rained down on our heads. My daughter's 5th grade class went on a trip to Hershey Park last Spring. I asked her to peek into the stadium and see if it was still there. She said it was. I feel better knowing that I didn't imagine it. Now as far as the KGB agents that were following me around the whole show...

I can see why so many are passionate about this one. There are good and great shows and good and great recordings. This is a great show and great sound and has that it factor. Got to keep Phil in check if your are playing this loud. Very cool Estimated.

Is it a 5 star show? No, probably not. But if its a fall Saturday and I'm working around the house, odds are this show blaring from my tape deck!

Its just a comfortable show, I know every nuance and moment from years of listening. My highlights are actually suprising-the 'Down in the Bottom-Ain't Superstitous', "Cold Rain & Snow", and "Tom Thumbs Blues".

I love Garcia's little call and response blurb to himself at the 2:48 mark of Tom Thumb, that little run of notes brings a smile to my face EVERY time. Great reviews, wish I could've made this one..but I was 9.

I have always liked this show. Yes Jerry's vocals can be a bit creaky and a bit off but it doesn't detract.
PHIL LESH - come on! I *love* the sound of his Modulus (Ken Smith??) obliterating speakers. Just amazing. You can hear the sound of his pick hitting the strings.
All the instruments are crystal clear and just crackin'.

Another stand out show from June '85. The show open with a promising Cold Rain and Snow that segues into short but energetic Promised Land. Ramble is substandard but the Superstitious>Down in the Bottom combo is a lively Bobby blues selection that gets things going. Bird Song, while short, is very nice with lofty group improv. Comes a Time is always a treat, especially in the first set, but the vocals are suspect. Deal closes the set in rockin fashion

The second set starts off with one of the highlights of the show, a rollicking Music Never Stops which fetures some hot Garcia soloing. Next up is Tom Thumb's Blues which is oe of the better versions ever performed. "I started off on Heineken" Solid versions of Estimated>terrapin wrap up the pre Drums jam. Miracle comes out of Space and segues into an excellent version of Morning Dew. the vocals are cringe worthy in some spoits but they re delivered with passion and the crescendo is balls to the wall. Throwing Stones>NFA ends things nicely.

this show was such a drench. traffic was unbelievable, and I had lost my friends -usually no problem, but I had the tickets. anyway, incredible energy at this stop (maybe rushed a bit). the weather was real. 1st time I saw Jerry in a blazer on stage - cold. Phil bombs, sparks, Birdsong, Terrapin, Dew all were giant. I do remember heading for the hills during Day Job. This is the recording to have though - I wore out my old TDK. Totally '85. Good one. tks for posting

If you think this is good Dead, You never heard GOOD Dead!!! It's actually hard to sit through.

was better than a sunny day without one.

Reviewer: Cliff Hucker - [2.0 out of 5 stars] - July 14, 2009
Subject: It's pretty funny...
reading the reviews from all the heads who attended this rain soaked stinker.

I was there as well, only I wished I was somewhere else. Unfortunately so did the band! Five stars for this show? Now that is funny...


Was this epic, no.. and certanly not for 1985. Was it fun? Hell yeah. Apparently for everybody but Cliff Huckster. Playing was solid if not always spectacular and there were special moments. Comes A Time, comes to mind.... Tom Thumb's Blues (a rarity, by the way); Cold Rain when it was cold raining.... And of course the Dew.

The rest of us share one thing in common with you Cliff, we wish you weren't there either.... Come to think of it, you might have been there, but you weren't with us.....too bad they didn't play Loser for you.

reading the reviews from all the heads who attended this rain soaked stinker.

I was there as well, only I wished I was somewhere else. Unfortunately so did the band! Five stars for this show? Now that is funny...

Phil destroying the PA during Dew with his bombs. I was next to the board stage Lesh and could see and hear Dan begging Phil to stop. You could hear the PA crack under Phil's bass the rest of the tour. Something about Jerry with the overhanging smell of chocolate in the air....

Ahhh this recording...I can put my hand on a little history here. I would say there is a 95% chance that I am linked to this version.

It was getting to the end of an amzing summer tour. A great day in Hershey with hershey kiss hats and then the pouring rain. One of our taper friends named Garry came up to us in front of the board without his gear and then told us that Healy and crew let him patch his D5 into the board to keep it out of the rain. (It was always fun to watch tapers when they did not have their equipment to monitor...no meters to set - they never knew what to do with themselves.)

Anyway, after the show we head back to the hotel to dry off and hear the "master board" and we discovered the Not Fade Away was cut in the middle as they flipped the tape. (not sure why they flipped here but beggers could not be choosers). Anyway, we had 5 D5s stacked recording "1st gen boards" and I along with Garry had to pick the moment where we could hit pause on the recording, flip the tape and then trying to keep in beat, start recording again.

You can hear the finely executed splice at 5.51 of NFA.

My splice aside(if it is in fact mine), the recording quality of this is off the charts. The energy of the show was great and so I would have to give it a 5 star for quality and a 4.5 star in the context of 1985.

This was one of my first tapes. Music Never is butta and rest of show is excellent Summer 85 material. Ah to have been there in PA. As you listen you can almost feel the rain.

The show was great- first set was a bit rough, but then the second set, the weather, the awesome sky all came together.

I am certain I heard a brief loose lucy, thank-you for a very good time... not sure at the end of NFA?

anyone else remember? or know at recording that got it?

i rember this show well the rain the assholes not letting us in this was my 3rd show in 3 years and this is the one that rang the bell i had been to both city island shows and they were great as well but after hearing this show again after all this time brings back the vibe and ya almost can feel the rain the recordings so good thanx to who ever took their shit out in that mess

this is one of the best throwin stones NFA

distracted first set - what do you expect, it was fifty degrees and raining buckets. amazing second set; music never stopped, was mind-blowing, phil was lovin' the weather - i mean phil was blowing holes into the pa country-side, tom thumbs was tres sweet, drums-space was primordial - i expected to see a dinasour, lumbering from the cold, misty, pa rainforest, the apropos terrapin, and the powerful dew was one hell of an exclamation point. and btw, it stopped raining during miracle. would really appreciate any photos of jerry, phil, or the show in gerneral, thank you; mburton2000 at yahoo

This summer 85 tour was one of the best in the eighties. A particularly hot show this was in chocolateville. One for the ages as the band and the crowd had a great time. One of the better of the 125+ shows I attended. This is a must have for your collection. The raspy Garcia vocals make it a standout, in my opinion. The diversity and differences in the tours and sound is what always kept me comin' back for more. (DON'T FORGET YOUR 'ABCD'-TOP NOTCH!)-don't forget the DEAR MR. FANTASY tease b/w Estimated and Terrapin!-I'd love to see the goddess I danced w/ now that it/s almost 23 yrs. later. What a nite to remember forever.

It didn't help that one of their first set standards , Promised Land, gets mangled with a capital G. It sounds like someone (maybe everyone) is in a different key...and it just sounds awful. Later, Ain't Superstitious is played as a carbon copy of New Minglewood Blues, but that's not so egregious as they're both blues, just kind of lazy. After a dodgy first set, they pulled it together and killed it with their second set.

i missed this one,and have been hearing about it ever since for the past 22 years
the gang tells of the TRIP from marlton, n.j
and the scene have never been matched
thank you folks at archive for letting us be in our mid 20's again

this was a gr8 show! what would we pay to see a show like this today?? best i remember of course have the tapes but 2nd set sticks out , the from music never stopped, one of the top 3 i ever saw or even heard on recordings, tom thumps is hysterically good w/phil doing his best dylan imitation, at the beginning and i beleieve it comes thru on at least the audience, phil's mike is out at the begining , the est, terapin is strong, but most memorable is the dew and if i recall it was pouring at that point, hershey was a small field like place , we were on the floor, in the middle, i bleieve ther was lighting (maybe that was something else?!?)i saw i beleieve most of not all those summer shows, was a great tour, maybe the last good one as stated below, jerry was never the "same" after the coma i thought too, although i saw many shows in the remaining 80's but none w/this kinda of energy, so this show and tour gets a very high rating, o and i would pay....alot!

other than a flubbed verse in Terrapin, i don't think Jerry's vocals this night were awful at all (pull up the Spectrum show from earlier that spring).

given, not Garcia's most impressive vocals but this was the end of the pre-Touch of Grey era when setlists were still quite unpredictable.

Nate, you just weren't there...

Poor Nate below thinks this show is "depressing." On the contrary, this show is another example of why the summer tour of 1985 was very special indeed. You want depressing? Listen to anything AFTER 1985, when good old Jer went down the tunnel and was never quite "right" afterwards.

For me, it's all about the 2nd set.

This version of Music is one of the all-time best with Weir, Phil and Jerry just wailing. Then follows the quintessential version of Tom Thumb's Blues, tighter than Dolly Parton's tie-dye. The instrumental break in Thumb is one of the most intense and perfect the Dead have ever played (Brent!!). The Estimated and Terrapin that follow aren't the longest or most perfect versions ever played. Rather, they are short and extremely sweet.

I'm not sure why the band wasn't up for lengthy expositions that day. Perhaps the goony birds were coming on too strong or perhaps they just wanted to rock and roll instead of play noodle-dee-doo for three hours. Dont' forget to check out the Deal -- it's played nice and fast and during the 2nd solo the band gets about as round as they ever do ...

I had this tape til it broke --
I wasnt there in Hershey in da flesh
but this show/ tape definitely changed me...

this is AWESOME!

try it on...
fits a size 5
nineteen eighty five...that is...

THANK YOU ARCHIVE.ORG!!

THANK YOU, BOYZ!!

This show will always go down as one of my favorite shows attended. The DEW was incredible. Having fun in the park, touring chocolate world and then the killer SHOW. Whew! Somehow I managed to make my way up towards the front of the crowd about halfway between the board and stage and spent the evening in a swirl of music, rain-soaked colors and what can only be described as a magical, mystical experience. It was one of those "moments" that any deadhead will remember for the rest of their lives. Yes, the goonies were flowing freely for everyone that tour but somehow I think they were in full flight more so than any show on that incredible summer tour.

Great show, one of the best in the '80s. Put headphones on and turn up the volume on Space, its glorious, I think one of the best for this era. Great sound, band is in synch and rockin'.

I enjoyed this show, read review of dstone5553 and some of the other upbeat comments on this '85' gem .
I wish they would have played 'Music Never'in the second set more often!
Too bad this did not become a regular stopover, only regrets never got to the amusement park and the encore was underwhelming.
If you got a beef with this show, you were either not there or having a bad trip!

i highly recommend this strong '85 show.
garcia takes over the end of the first set with a great bird song > comes a time > deal. i aint superstitous/down at the bottom is a real treat, too (minglewood?).
set 2 opens with a jammy music never stops, and other higlights include a very animated weir leading the band through a fun estimated. terrapin has some (typical for '85?) lyrical flubbing by garcia, but in all, a strong version - especially near the closing. a brief drums segment features some heavy, rhythmic percussion with mickey on marimba (?) for a few minutes at the begining reminding me of tom waits' 'clap hands'. and yes, believe the hype about this massive morning dew - loud, powerful and beautiful.

excellent 80's!

I remember this as being the coldest day of the summer after the rain began but the playing was some of the best I ever witnessed from the opening "cold rain and snow" through "morning dew". The bird song, comes a time melt is beautiful. Garcia hits all the right notes in the "comes a time" guitar solo with a special harmonic note to boot. Lots of passion here. One year away from garcia nearly dying the first time.

...after or maybe before Saratoga I remember the Hershey chocolate factory near by. A field with easy low fences and a real mello but packed crowed. It started to rain and huge groups of clans with plastic tarps overhead. It started to rain and Jerry rewarded us with a "Comes a Time" Looks like Rain" and a funny but rare "Tom Thumb Blues" That was insane. Rain made it tough on the sound system which Bob pointed out. The rainy problems made the made the band try even harder and people slipped and slid all over the muddy grass knoll with pleasure. Seen a lot of shows but this was a personal one... but maybe it was just the good clean A... ha ha ha.

Killer kind show. That Tom Thumbs is so sick, with Jerry and Brent's mezmerizing jams. That song is a cousin to She belongs To Me. The way Jerry times out those sweet solos and Brent right behind him in a psychedelic blur. Terrapin,Music,birdsong, Morning Dew(so beautiful) Superstious is hot Jerry solos rip hard. Jerry bends some nice notes on Cold Rain. Comes A Time is so out there Jerry sounds lost in his own persian haze "you get so far away from how it feels inside". gOoNeY bIrdSOnG
Summer '85 was smoking, Iam talking cream of the crop quality Dead. Greek,Alpine,River bend and Blossom in Ohio were both awesome. Saratoga, Hershey and the best run played this year at Merriweather. These shows are some of the Deads finest playin. These were the days, the scene on this tour must of been a blast.
If your still searching for prime time '85 check out the Spectrum shows from the spring.

i was soaked,jerry was wearing some type of "smoking jacket.

I dont know if it is because 85 was my first year for touring hardcore or what but... IMO 85 is one of the best post 70's year. This is also my most favorite Music... JERRY SMOKES

Listen to Music (he takes a solo!)
then listen to 12-6-92 Tempe

I think Bob is great.
I was just in Hershey PA and thinking of this great show!!!

Simply Put, Bob Weir is God.

Let's be honest, Garcia's vocal talents resided in his inflection, emotional quality, and the ability to emphasize certain words/lyrics at the proper time. They did not reside in his good voice or nice sounding tones (although, personally, I love his voice).

I first heard this show on Furthur tour 1998. I think i traded a sweater for the cassette...this sounds even better, although I must admit I have found myself enjoying the Audience tapes more than the SBD. Once again, a fun '85 summer tour show featuring all we want in an 85 show...energy, good song choices, (Bird Song>Comes a Time>Deal) and a fat 85 Estimated Prophet. Good show.

Just to comment overall, 1985 is one of those years that seems (what a surprise) to be paridoxical.

People mention miscues on vocals and, at times, Jerry's voice sounding strained at times.

Yet, this was one of the best years (post '70's) for the band. They took some chances...check out the placement of songs out of the normal rotation (ie Saturday Night to open the show in Ventura, Music>Eyes at Hershey's 2nd set, and the China>Riders, and Let it Grow>Deals that closed out the first set at several shows...to name a few).

Also, while Jerry's health was failing...he was whaling on the axe. For those who have distain for his voice this year...play any Comes a Time or She Belongs to Me. He still could pour it out.

The band took chances in '85 and if you don't have them yet...give the shows a chance...you'll be amazed!!

David

Amazing Dew, have been listening to this tape for 15 years. Although I have to exeception to the "best short Dew" comment. 9/18/87 is right there, if not better. This show is fantastic...and Garcia's vocals were shitty throughout the entire year!!! So get over it and see 1985 for what it was...crazy song selections, bad Garcia vocals, lots of drugs and what I like to call "coincidental togetherness."

it was 20 years ago tonite. the show was great. who cares if jerry wasnt "on?" i get off then and i get off now when i listen to this. email me if you want to see some kewl pics from the stage shnaholic@comcast.net oh yeah the terrapin was my request to bob during setbreak. man did i catch hell for asking for a song and when they played it, it was all worth it. one hint of advice, if you didnt open it, dont drink it. thanx robbie taylor for that heads up.

Unfortunately, this tape is highly rated on the Internet Archive and on the Deadbase tape list. Horrible vocals from Garcia abound. It dosn't matter if he sings the whole first set standing on his head if he often sounds like Forgetful Jones in need of halking a lugey. The band did not play exceptionally tight that night either, though there are moments. It is pretty cool to hear Phil break stuff though, if that's indeed what happened. He's the one who kept the show from sinking.
Sound quality is great.

Anyone who thinks the boys took a night off here was probably at the show and obviously let the rain get to them, which can happen on a summer tour. However, this show marks part of Dead history as one of the best back to back nights in different cities the boys ever did (with 5.7.77 and 5.8.77 leading the way--ofcourse, this is only my opinion). The first set's cold rain (don't you know...DON'T YOU KNOW)! gives early notice that this is going to be a special night--and the three consecutive Garica songs to close the set (has this ever, and I men EVER, been done in the first set before?) cements the fact. The Birdsong>Comes a Time>Deal moves directly into the history books, and is quite the trifecta--people must have thought they were dreaming...or something. The Music>Tom Thumbs that opens the next set follows along with the ominous tone that's been set and is quite a second set opener, especially considering how rare Phil singing was back then. The song of this show, however, is the Dew. It's the most powerful short Dew that I know of and one of the best in terms of pure weight and unabashed force. Phil does things here that are only suited for seriously able-bodied adults of a very mature nature to hear. It's somewhat terrifying. Plain, thunderers fury. Then follows Brent's gorgeous, soft piano solo with Garcia's heart wrenching answers that bring us back to a beautiful place where we gather ourselved after the beating that we somehow felt we deserved. It is completely different from any of the epic versions of the previous decade...it is pure 85, and it you are into 85, then this dew will stay with you forever---as well will this show. As good a sound as we have for this show. I give it an A- cause it's 85 and the hiss is normal for that year. It doesn't detract from the show for some weird reason.
Dstone5553@aol.com

This was a great show. As many have mentioned the trip from Saratoga was tough (I remember almost nothing but thanks to Myron K. for doing a lot of the driving). The Dew was the best live music experience I ever had, and the goonies had a lot to do with it. Listening to the show it is obvious that it was great on its own. I will listen to this one often. Did anyone else have giant ants under their car in the parking lot?

What can I say? The Grateful Dead in June at Hershey Park. I was at this one and it is forever burned into my memory. My first Morning Dew (I almost shit myself when I heard the opening chords)The Music Never Stopped to open the 2nd set is an all-time top 5! All I can say is absorb and appreciate the magic that is the Grateful Dead!

I was there for both too and for me this one blows away the spac show. Others will say the merriwether shows were better. June '85 was a peak of sorts we can say that anyways (which I would also say about October 83)

I was there......the band seemed to be taking a breather from the scrocher night before at Saratoga NY. There are better shows.........

I too was lucky enough to be at this show. This show was one of the most fun show I was to attend (110 shows). Rain, Lsd, awesome show. Hello!! all good I highly recommend this show!

GREAT SHOW IN CANDY LAND

" I WOULD "

Was it the gooney birds ( a long forgotten bird! thanks for the flashback ) or was there a "My Brother Esau" at this show? I wasn't there but I could swear my old tape had it. A relatively short show, so maybe it was filler.

download this show if you made it here. 85 at finest...singing in the rain.

An error report notes that CR&S has slippage arund 3:50. This is a known flaw with this source. Hopefully someone with a copy withut this flaw can seed it. I'm posting this here for the person who logged the error since it is a flaw.

Had the analog for years. Really good show from a smoking hot June 85 run.
This boot sounds very much like the analog I had. Pretty goof quality. Some hiss, but not overly opressive IMO.
It is a popular show for a reason.

During Estimated you can hear someone call out "John" which is my name and ALWAYS freaks me out when I hear it.

This show was one of my all time favorites. It seemed like such a struggle to get there. We came from the Saratoga NY show and there was construction on the Highway and we decided to take a short cut. It may have been fewer miles but the speed limit was less and we went over some big mountains. It didn't look like that on the map. Out car was breaking down when we were seeing "next exit 11 miles" signs and when you got there it was just a road. Nothing else. We kept conking out and would get out and fix something and go another ten miles and conk out again. Finally when an exit said there was a service sation 3 miles off the exit we took our chance. Turned out to be the fuel filter which we did get fixed with help. We finally got close to the show and there was a bad wreck that had traffic snarled near the entrance. When we finally parked it was exactly show time. I wasn't too worried because I knew the Dead were always late. Then we got into the line or should I say mob to get in. Only two gates to get in. When we heard the band start it was a sad moment. I never missed a song until then. At least I could hear it until we got under concrete. When we did get in there wasn't too many people in yet. I still feel they should have held out a bit for people to get in. After I relaxed it was fantastic. Really smoking and the rain was warm and didn't even bother me. One killer Estimated Prophet. When they were playing Morning Dew there was a poignient keyboard piece and the rain tapered off and the moon came shined through the clouds. Everyone was mesmerized.

I like the show and was not there (though I have been to rainy shows before and know they generally reach to make everyone feel good) great morning dew and nice start for 2nd set with music but musically this cannot touch merriweather's next 2 nights which I went to...

Terrapin is a mess and while dew throwing nfa is good I can think of dozens of show that are better - think this was prob more fun to be at although the comes a time and phil singing gets high points otherwise wud give this a 3 in the context of the blazing '85 shows....

I was one of the lucky souls who were in attendance for this show. I did the whole tour, loved evey show and this one was no exception. Download it.

The venue was unique in that it seemed like a high school football field, complete with bleachers on either side of the field and a scoreboard behind the stage. It rained that whole day and I remember at one point in the intermission the crowd began calling for people to put their umbrellas down. The field was flat so the umbrellas were definitely obstructing the view. One by one, the umbrellas came down until there was literally one hold out left. It was funny deadhead moment when that last person finally relented and joined the rest of us in being soaked. The crowd erupted with an enthusiastic cheer of support.

Anyway, birdsong->comes a time_> music never stopped first set closer. It is a classic. 5 STARS

Hersheypark Happy. Hersheypark Glad. So many things to see and do. Good times to be had. That was the Hersheypark radio jingle in the 80s, and man did it ever ring true on this day. We did the Park and what a long, strange day it was. Parents with kids had no idea what to make of it and some were quite upset. The park was overrun with blazed deadheads. There was LOTS of sillycibin shrooms around and tons of LSD. The Park was nuts. Word of advice: DON'T GO ON THE ROTOR (spins you centrifugally then the floor drops). It almost ruined the night for 4 of us. We sat on a bench from 3:00 pm until about 6:30 because of that damn ride (and everything we consumed).

By showtime we were just silly from everything we had eaten. The ROTOR bad buzz had worn off and Cold Rain and Snow had kicked in. What a great first set. To us, we got a "triple Jerry" (Birdsong>CAT>Deal) which none of us even knew was possible. That really made our 1st set. Plus, Jerry in a blazer? That was unique as well.

Bob comes out for the second set and tries to inform us of the crack equipment crew. Dan Healy had other ideas and because of our state of mind, we just thought Dan's trickery was so funny and so cool. I still think it's one of the best Music Never Stopped I've ever seen.

I'm with the overrated crowd when it comes to the Tom Thumb Blues. While you may like the novelty of it and think this version is good, it brought the energy of the show to a screaming halt. No one knew what it was, and I still don't think half the audience ever figured out that Phil sang it.

The Estimated Terrapin was really good but the Morning Dew stole the rest of the show. I remember lots of grumbling over the Day Job encore as they were becoming far too frequent. After the show, some girl came by selling "No More Day Job" buttons. We gave her 9 yards of crap for her blasphemy, but deep down inside, we knew she was right.

Everyone I know who went to Hershey and Merriweather thought Merriweather was better (I missed those shows). I'm surprised this show gets the outrageous props it gets. It's good, but it's not that good.

garcia band effects of a watery wah, phat phil bombs throughout, aggressive rock chords from bob, sturdy drums, on repeated listening (got my first copy in '86) it's hard to imagine how anyone would see a favorable review here as being misguided. HOWEVER, this is an '80s show and does not fall under the rubric of perfection like '77. for my money, i would argue that this show has more soul than most of may '77. in fact, what '77 holds in perfection, an '85 show like this erases in passion. seriously folks, this is a high water mark (not because of the pouring rain).

I was at this show so I am a little biased.
We woke up late after saratoga the night
before,drove staight to the venue and walked in
during cold rain and snow.The sound was great
and Phil fryed some speakers during Morning Dew!
I thought it was the liquid but everyone around
me confirmed what I saw.The show sounds as good as I remember.

when we were seeing a lot of shows in the early '90's and we'd come out of a show just flying, we'd throw this on in the car or the hotel or wherever we were heading. I can't even think about this show without starting to tingle. Music Never Stopped - Fucking A. Tom Thumbs Blues - I still feel a buzz. Classic. Not to be missed.

NOTE: The DEAL is there. It is just mislabeled. But it seems that "DOWN IN THE BOTTOM" is missing from the downloads. The song names are off above. Anyone know why? --

This is such a classic Dead show! The second set is famous, especially for the Tom Thumb Blues, and rightfully so. But don't forget the fantastic first set.

Sure, Jerry blows lyrics, but that is pretty typical of the time. The chemistry of the band, venue, weather, and audience really come together here.

Be sure to grab the cover-art for this show at http://toddalbert.com/music/cover_art

I'd rate this show a 6/5 if I could. Woo hoo!!!

Sorry but I've never understood why so many people are enamored by this show. Maybe it's the pristine sound quality and the availability of this one for years. For me this show is a prime example of the abysmal low points Jerry was reaching during his darkest days. His voice is shot, his playing is sluggish, and he doesn't seem to know where he is half the time. The rest of the band is clicking pretty well, but nonetheless because of Jerry's condition, I find this one very depressing to listen to. Thankfully he pulled himself out of it and had a few more great years in the late 80's.

Very good show representative of the DEAD mid-80's. A very fun summer show with rain/mud great tunes. Where is DEAL???? Show not complete without it. It was smokin!

See setlist from Deadbase06-28-85 Hershey Park Stadium, Hershey, Pa. (Fri)
1: Cold Rain> Promised, Ramble On, Superstitious> Bottom, Bird Song> Comes A Time> Deal
2: Music> Tom Thumb Blues, Estimated> Terrapin> Drumz> Miracle> Morning Dew> Throwing Stones> NFA E: Day Job
final "Bottom" - final "Superstitious"

Phil is magnificant in this show - Tom Thumb was somewhat new then and this version shows how down home this show was. Small venue - the sweet summer rain - Jerry in his blue corderoy blazer - Phil did pop the stacks for real during the Dew. Birdsong into Comes a Time in the first set - If you were there - you'll never forget it.

Anyone else getting errors at the 3:45 section of Cold Rain? Is there a way to check if this is on the masters as well??

I would have to disagree with the idea of this tom thumbs being in any way a bad version. Phil switches up his phrasing a little bit, and the pocket is a little deeper, but his singing performance is solid as a rock imho. This is my favorite tom thumbs, especially when compared against the faster versions of 89/90. This show is stellar and sounds great

Those of you with small speakers beware the bass on this recording gets way low! This is not to say it is too prominent in the mix it is just that clean and clear. I do believe you can pinpoint the spot in Dew where Phil blows a speaker (it was still blown at merriweather and you can hear it on the AUD recordings). Speaking of Phil, for me the low point is Tom Thumb. I never would have thought another person on the planet could sing as bad as Bob Dylan (late 80's) but Phil blows him away. He is an awful singer now and then. Other than that it is a great show and the first set ending with 3 Jerry songs in a row shows how psyched he was at this show.

this show is what summer '85 was all about,great setlists and even better jamming.brent is amazing this tour and this show is proof!jerry flubs a little but its no reason not to have this in your collection and phils tom thumb is awesome.download this hq show yesterday!!!

Hi, I was one of the lucky ones who attended this epic Dead Show. It rained most of the day leading up to this outdoors show. But there wasn't any other place we would have rather been. The Cold rain and Snow opener was out of this world and a Great rendition of Ramble On Rose. Bird song into Comes a time was timeless. Before The Music Never Stopped Bobby mentioned something about the crack equipment crews and continue our singing in the rain. Estimated/Terrapin and Morning Dew were some other favorites of mine from this show. It is definitely a must for your collection.